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The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told!

Every day in May we will reveal the greatest stories ever told starring a particular character or written/drawn by a particular creator (and throughout the month, you’ll get daily chances to vote for NEXT week’s lists). These lists are voted on by YOU, the reader!

Here is the list of characters/creators featured so far (along with the rules on how to vote).

Today’s list is the Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told!

Enjoy!

10. Batman #663 “The Clown at Midnight”

Grant Morrison further develops his thoughts on Joker’s insanity in this one-off revamp of the character. John Van Fleet did the art for this issue which is a text story with illustrations by Van Fleet.

9. The Man Who Laughs

This is Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke’s engaging remake of the Joker’s first appearance.

8. Batman #426-429 “A Death in the Family”

The Joker kills Jason Todd. Written by Jim Starlin and drawn by Jim Aparo.

7. Dark Knight Returns #3

The Joker gets one final bit of revenge on his old foe. Written and drawn by Frank Miller.

6. Arkham Asylum

This is the story where Morrison originates his interesting take on Joker’s insanity. Art by Dave McKean.

5. Batman #1 – Joker’s first appearance

The Joker’s first appearance. Written and drawn by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson.

4. Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #65-68 “Going Sane”

JM DeMatteis and Joe Staton show us what would happen if the Joker ever actually SUCCEEDED in killing Batman (or at least THINKS he’s succeeded).

3. Batman #251 ” The Joker’s Five-Way Revenge!”

Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams return the Joker to his original homicidal nature.

2. Detective Comics #475-476 “The Laughing Fish/Sign of the Joker”

An intriuging Joker tale in the midst of Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers’ famous Detective Comics run.

1. The Killing Joke

Alan Moore and Brian Bolland explore the relationship between Batman and the Joker. Moore also provides what has become basically the accepted origin for the Joker. Joker cripples Barbara Gordon.

That’s the list! I’m sure there is a lot of agreement and disagreement with the list out there! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!